Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does POYO mean?

POYO means Practice on Your Own. Even though we do what we can throughout the week with our riders we encourage them to get out on Saturdays and get extra time on their bikes. This can simply be around your neighborhood or on trails. Please keep safety in mind when riding and take someone else with you if you plan to hit the trails. 

Are parents required to volunteer?

Yes! There are many different volunteer opportunities.

What is the time commitment for athletes?

We expect all riders to commit to practice. Organized practices are twice a week, Monday and Thursday. There are occasional Saturday practices, mostly to pre-ride a race course. 

What discounts are available to riders and coaches?

Registration Questions

I missed the ream registration closing date, can I still register?

Sadly, no. Thank you for being interested in the team. Keep an eye on our website in the spring for information on joining the team next year.

When will I get an invite to ad my new athlete to the NICA Pit Zone?

Our registration process starts with team registration in teamsnap.   Visit the registration page and complete Step 1.  After that is complete you will get an email invite to the NICA Pit Zone.  This is a manual process so look for the email within 3 days after completing Step 1.  If you still don’t see it, make sure to check your junkmail.   The invite email will come from NICA Pit Zone donotreply@nationalmtb.org.

I am a returning rider, how come I can't complete my NICA Pit Zone registration?

Please see our registration page and make sure you have completed Step 1.  After that is complete you will get access within 3 days to your pitzone account and can complete your NICA and Utah League Registration.  It will be the same sign-in that you have used in years past to complete your pitzone registration. 

I don't see my NICA Pit Zone Invitation

See answers above.  Please remember that after completing Step 1, the invite process is manual for our registration director.  Check your email or junk mail anywhere between 1-3 days after completing Step 1 for your invitation. The email will come from NICA Pit Zone donotreply@nationalmtb.org 

Are the registration fees refundable?

Please see our refund information under the fee explanations on the registration page. 

What is the password to access the teamstore to buy the kit?

Please check your confirmation email from Step 1 for the password. 

Can my child "try it out" before paying all the registration fees?

No. Signed waivers are required before participating and are part of the registration process.



Can I try on a kit before ordering?

We have one opportunity for a kit try on at our kickoff meeting.  If you are unable to attend that meeting you will need to make your best guess and use the sizing guides found on the kit manufacturer website. 


I missed the kit try-on night, will there be another chance to try on kits?

See the answer above.


Can I get a refund on my kit?

No. Kit purchases are non-refundable.


What if I order the wrong size kit? Can I exchange it for the correct size?

Kits may not be returned or exchanged.  Purchases are final. We do not order any extras and the lead time is many weeks so there is no time to make a new order before races begin.  Please attend our kickoff meeting if you have any questions about the proper size.


Do I need to order everything in the team store?

The team jersey is required, everything else is optional. If we are using the same jersey design as last year and it still fits, there is no need to order a new jersey unless you want to.  We strongly recommend ordering the complete package: jersey and bibs.


When will I get access to the team practice schedule?

When you complete Step 1 you will be added to the team schedule in teamsnap.


I need to add a contact or an email to my profile in teamSNAP so that ___ can see all the team information. Can you do that?

This is something you can do for yourself.  Please follow these instructions from teamSNAP.


What type of communication should I expect from the coaches?

We utilize teamSNAP for communication.  Make sure your profile settings in your teamsnap are set up so that you will see emails and push notifications.  Important information from coaches will always come from an email and you can find answers to many questions on our website.

I am getting several copies of the same email from the coaches, this is annoying, can you make it so I will only receive one copy?

Unfortunately not.  If you have multiple children on the team you will receive an email copy for each athlete.  Sometimes you will also get a copy of the email if you are a ride leader for the team.

What if my family's financial situation won't allow me to pay the registration fees?

Financial considerations should never keep a rider from participating.  Please contact a coach for scholarship information.

Equipment

What type of bike do I need?

We are a cross country mountain bike team.  Each rider needs a cross country or trail style mountain bike in good repair.  A dedicated bike store will be able to help you determine the right type of bike style and answer questions about the different styles of mountain bikes.  


It must have gears and knobby tire wheels.  Wheel size must be between 26-29 inches (if unable to ride a bike with 26-29 inch wheels due to the rider height, you may ride a smaller bike).  Do not buy bikes from big box stores like Walmart, these types of mountain bikes will not last.

Do I have to have a full suspension bike?

No.  We have riders and coaches that ride hard tails or full suspension bikes. 

What other Equipment is required at practice?


You will want something to hold all of your equipment.  Many riders will have bike bags attached to their bikes, or hydration packs, or belt bags.  No equipment=no practice.

Do you require clipless pedals?

No.  Please ride with pedals you are comfortable with. We have riders with flat pedals and clipless pedals.  Riders with all levels of experience ride with both types of pedals.  We strongly recommend that our beginner riders start with flat pedals. 

Where should I buy bike equipment?

You can find equipment at any local bike shop.  There are also many online stores such as competitive cyclist and amazon that have a lot of bike gear.

How do I mantain my bike?

Your coaches are not the bike maintenance crew.  It is up to each rider to make sure their bike is in good repair.  It will need to be tuned-up a few times (maybe more) each season.  Make sure it is washed and lubed often. 

What do I wear at practice?

You can wear any type of clothing that is good for exercise.  Tops and bottoms are required.  We recommend tops be moisture wicking material.  For bottoms we recommend a chamois, or other tight fitting bottoms to keep you comfortable and prevent chafing .  You can wear baggy shorts over your chamois but DO NOT wear  ONLY baggy shorts.  You are more than welcome to wear your racing kit to practice, but you will want other  practice clothes in addition to your racing kit.  


We will practice in varying temperatures so be prepared for the weather.  It is a good idea to have a light jacket later in the season.

Race Day

Where do I find information about races?

All information for races is found on the league website: https://www.utahmtb.org under Races.  The Herriman team is in region 4.  The league will update this page with links to race flyers as we get closer to race season.  The race flyer will be your best friend and will answer most questions relating to the race day. 

What time do the races start?

Check the race flyer. https://www.utahmtb.org/race

When should I arrive at the race?

Plan to arrive 90 minutes before your start time.  This will give you enough time to park, check in, warm up, and deal with any other issues that may arise before your race.

How long can I expect to be at the race?

Races can last from 30 min - 90 min depending on the number of race laps.  We would love for our racers to be there as long as possible to cheer on teammates in other racing categories.  Parents should plan to be at the race longer than the actual race time due to volunteer requirements.

How do I get to the race course?

Directions are found in the race flyer.  https://www.utahmtb.org/race

What is a pre-ride?

A pre-ride is when you can ride the course before the actual race.  Sometimes we will do this as a team as part of practice if the location is nearby.  For races that require more travel you can pre-ride the course on your own. 

When can I pre-ride?

All pre-riding information is found on the race flyer. https://www.utahmtb.org/race

What is Pitzone?

Pitzone is the race party place!  It is where tents from all the teams participating in the race are located.  This is where you will check in at our team tent and get all ready for your races and hang out when not cheering on teammates.  There is food, fun, and a good time at pitzone.

What should I (the rider) bring to the race?

Who can come to the races?

Bring your whole support crew! Mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, friends! 

What should my support crew bring to races?

Bring your noise makers, cow bells, anything to show support to all the racers from all the teams.  It can be a long day at races so make sure you have sunscreen, a sweatshirt for chilly mornings and any food and snacks you will need.  The team does have some meals provided at pitzone, but it's a good idea to pack anything you may want.